What is the difference between latitude and longitude

Latitude measures distances north and south of the Equator. It's represented on maps by vertical lines.

Longitude measures distances east and west of the Prime Meridian. It's represented on maps by horizontal lines.

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Latitude and longitude are both measurements that help determine the location of a point on Earth's surface. Latitude measures the distance of a point from the equator, while longitude measures the distance from the Prime Meridian.

To understand the difference between these two, let's first look at latitude. Latitude lines, also known as parallels, run parallel to the equator, which is an imaginary line that circles the Earth halfway between the North and South Poles. The equator is assigned a latitude of 0 degrees, and the lines of latitude are measured in degrees north or south of the equator. For example, a point at 45 degrees north latitude is located halfway between the North Pole and the equator.

On the other hand, longitude lines, also known as meridians, run from pole to pole and intersect at the North and South Poles. The Prime Meridian, located in Greenwich, England, is assigned a longitude of 0 degrees. Longitude lines are measured in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian. For instance, a point at 30 degrees west longitude is located 30 degrees to the west of the Prime Meridian.

In summary, latitude measures the distance of a point from the equator in degrees, while longitude measures the distance from the Prime Meridian in degrees. Together, latitude and longitude provide a global coordinate system that allows us to pinpoint any location on Earth's surface.